Doha: Qatar has set out to create a more permanent worker population with sweeping labor reforms introduced this week as it winds down a building frenzy for the 2022 soccer World Cup.
Achieving that goal would mark a fundamental shift in the economics of the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas. Foreign workers account for 95% of Qatar’s workforce and about 90% of its population.
The new rules impose a standard minimum wage applicable to employees of all nationalities and professions — a first for the Gulf region — and make it easier for workers to change jobs. Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari said the hope is that the revamp will encourage more foreigners, particularly skilled workers, to stick around.
“This is about creating a liberal labor market,” he said in an interview Monday.
“You don’t want people who for whatever reason want to leave their employer, or whose services are no longer required — you don’t want them to just pack up their luggage and jump on an airplane,” he said.
Competition for talent will be healthy for the local market, even at the risk of driving poor performers out of business or pitting them against foreign competitors, he said.
“Companies will put lots of effort into retaining their employees, developing their talents, offering them the right packages,” Al Kuwari said. “This is part of our long-term investment — an investment in the people, whether they are expats or locals.”
Ending Kafala?
Such sentiment is rare in the Gulf.
All countries in the region have policies that encourage hiring citizens over foreigners. But most hesitate to endorse a more permanent role for expats, with Kuwait even contemplating cutting the size of its foreign population by more than half.
Under a system known as kafala, or sponsorship, the ability of expats to stay is often restricted by their employers. Qatar has faced stringent criticism from human rights organizations for a labor system described as “abusive,” particularly for low-income workers brought in before the 2022 tournament.
Qatar’s new package eliminates the need for workers to acquire a document from their former employer in order to switch to a new job. But while switching jobs will now be possible, low-wage workers will continue to live in employer-provided communal housing and remain dependent on food and transportation furnished by companies, likely limiting free access to the job market.
Al Kuwari said he expects an imminent shift in the makeup of the foreign population now that construction projects ahead of the World Cup are drawing to a close. Qatar committed $200 billion to develop infrastructure since it won the rights in 2010 to host the world’s most watched sporting event.
“We are really reaching that stage now, where we’re moving toward a knowledge-based economy,” he said.-Bloomberg
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Age and Gender Discrimination
No more hiring under 50 years old because of Labour Law or Ministry. Women under sponsor need the same Benefits. and allowances.Housing, Flights, Transport, tuition, etc. Immigration policy must change to allow expats over 60 to continue working get an RP. Professionals Women and those over 50 have qualifications, experienence, they also have families to support and are fully capable of continuing.
Age and Gender Discrimination
No more hiring under 50 years old because of Labour Law or Ministry. Women under sponsor need the same Benefits. and allowances.Housing, Flights, Transport, tuition, etc. Immigration policy must change to allow expats over 60 to continue working get an RP. Professionals Women and those over 50 have qualifications, experienence, they also have families to support and are fully capable of continuing.
Age and Gender Discrimination
No more hiring under 50 years old because of Labour Law or Ministry policy…then there is likely chance of Knowledge Economy..
Women under sponsor need the same Benefits. and allowances.Housing, Flights, Transport, tuition, etc.
Immigration policy must change to allow expats over 60 to continue working…get an RP.
Professionals Women and those over 50 have qualifications, experienence – they also have families to support and are fully capable of continuing to Add Knowledge to Qatar’s Knowledge Economy yet are targeted for redundancy…
Age and Gender Discrimination must
No more hiring under 50 years old because of Labour Law or Ministry policy…then there is likely chance of Knowledge Economy..
Women under sponsor need the same Benefits. and allowances.Housing, Flights, Transport, tuition, etc.
Immigration policy must change to allow expats over 60 to continue working…get an RP.
Professionals Women and those over 50 have qualifications, experienence – they also have families to support and are fully capable of continuing to Add Knowledge to Qatar’s Knowledge Economy yet are targeted for redundancy…
Explain the all procedure we need to do for change the company.
They need to also get rid of the forced retirement at 60. If the employee is still energetic and efficient, why kick him/her out? Also, they only want wealthy retired expats to stay, which doesn’t make sense because this demographic has plenty of better choices around the world.
Very good news for all . Now we are waiting one more good news from Qatar gvmt , free to work as a part time job even in company sponsor .
?????
Working hours should be mentioned too.
Am working for 11 hours and no over time.
Being paid less than the minimum wage and no food is provided
I think this is going to be revolutionary. Hope they have learnt their lessons after the embargo. Last time I was there found them to be snorty. I was left to wonder how they are going to host the World Cup. All these changes should be immediate, so that they can run the World Cup smoothly. One thing they lack is a workforce which supports them enthusiastically and not a workforce just working for the money. I think it should take lead out of Dubai, at least how generally people in Dubai are humble, though they really don’t have much oil. There is saying I’m Malayalam,’ where the land is low, that is where the water flows.’